NBA star and London-native Shaedon Sharpe wants kids in his hometown to have a place to regularly shoot hoops for free.
This has prompted the 20-year-old Portland Trail Blazers guard to sponsor a new weekly basketball drop-in session at the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre. The City of London announced the weekly drop-in on Sharpe's behalf on Wednesday.
"When I was growing up, some of my best childhood memories were hanging with my friends and shooting hoops on a Friday night. I knew if I ever went pro, I wanted to make sure kids in my hometown had a safe place to hang out and have fun while playing basketball, whether they were just starting out or taking their game to the next level,” Sharpe said in a statement. “It’s amazing that I’m in a position to give back like this, it means so much to me knowing I have the ability to help out and maybe even inspire the next generation of basketball players coming out of London.”
The free drop-in sessions will be held every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting on January 19. The program is open to kids aged 10 to 17. As space is limited, registration will be required. Those interested in registering can do so at london.ca/Sharpe.
“This sponsorship, a testament to Sharpe's commitment to community development, is a source of pride for the City of London and a shining example of the positive impact athletes can have on their hometowns,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “These sessions promise an exceptional opportunity for London's youth to experience more free recreation opportunities that will build on a thriving basketball culture in the city.”
Sharpe, who grew up in London, was selected seventh overall by the Trail Blazers in the 2022 NBA Draft.
